Importance of Dental Hygiene

Kids hear it, the neighbor hears it, grandma hears it: take care of your teeth! It goes for everyone, especially if you are going through orthodontic treatment. Avoid complications by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist yearly for professional cleanings. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating patients about the importance of proper oral hygiene. Help us help you keep your smile looking good for years to come!

Did you know that there is a connection between oral health and overall health? Sometimes what’s going on inside your mouth can be an indicator of what’s going on inside your body, and vice versa. Mayo Clinic says “Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases.” Some diseases, like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, have the potential to lower the body’s resistance to infection, causing oral issues to be more severe in patients afflicted with these diseases. On the other hand, patients with poor dental hygiene are at a higher risk for problems like cardiovascular disease or pneumonia.

For good oral hygiene, try to:

-Brush and floss twice a day

-Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing

-Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fibrous foods to act as “nature’s toothbrush”

-Limit sugar and acidic beverages

-Replace your toothbrush every three months

-Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist

-Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco products

Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that do not have enough space to develop correctly can cause numerous problems in the mouth. Complications include the trapping of food which makes an environment for cavities and disease to form, the crowding or damaging of neighboring teeth, and root damage (which is irreversible). It is recommended that you see Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, for regular checkups, so that any issues involving the development of your wisdom teeth will be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Haeri is also committed to preserving overall oral health in patients.

You may need to get your wisdom teeth removed if you show signs of:

-Pain/aching/tenderness

-Infection

-Cysts

-Tumors

-Damage to surrounding teeth

-Gum disease

-Tooth decay

Before making any decisions to extract wisdom teeth, Dr. Haeri will first examine your mouth and take an X-ray. Under the care of Dr. Haeri and an expert team, you and your family will rest easy knowing that you are in safe hands throughout your visit. We understand that wisdom teeth extractions sound scary, but it’s best to have them removed to avoid headaches and constant pain in the back of the mouth. Keep in mind, when your wisdom teeth come in as much as they can, you should have them removed as soon as possible. The younger you are, the easier the procedure will be since the wisdom teeth roots aren’t fully developed by that time. This will also help with a quicker recovery time.

Does your mouth ache but you’re unsure if it’s your wisdom teeth causing the discomfort? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Also called early childhood caries (ECC), bottle mouth, and infant caries, baby bottle tooth decay occurs when a child’s teeth come into contact too often with sugary snacks and drinks. This also includes milk and infant formula. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, is committed to educating parents about helping their children develop good oral hygiene habits. The earlier good habits are instilled, the more likely children will maintain them through adulthood. 

 

The complications that arise from baby bottle tooth decay can be as severe as your child not developing speech properly. This is a serious problem since children are essentially sponges, taking in information and constantly learning. Baby bottle tooth decay can make speech development difficult with nasty infections and chronic pain. 

 

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay by:

 

- Flossing your child’s teeth after they’ve all grown in

- Brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start growing in

- Taking your child to regular dentist check-ups

- Encouraging healthy eating habits

- Limiting your child’s sugar intake

- Teaching your child how to drink from a cup at six months of age

- Weaning your child off the pacifier

- Wiping your infant’s gums after a feeding

 

Do you think your child could be suffering from baby bottle tooth decay? We can take a look at what’s going on and get your child started on a treatment plan. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Extraction Site Preservation

Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Like wisdom teeth removal, where the teeth are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound and one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, understands that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very pleasant, but she is committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as she can for all patients. 

If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact our office. Signs of complications include:

- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

- Severe nausea or vomiting

- Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site

- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills

Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your dentist come up with a plan to fill this space.

Do you have questions about your extraction site? We are happy to address any concerns that may come up. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Impacted Canines

Did you know that our canine teeth are also known as “eye teeth?” It may sound strange, but there’s a logical explanation for the nickname: the canines are simply aligned with the position of our eyes. Our canines are important for biting and guiding the rest of the teeth in position when you close your mouth. Canines also have the longest root compared to the rest of your teeth, making them the last to erupt. Sometimes canines fail to erupt properly, which causes problems for the capacity and appearance of your mouth. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating her patients about everything dental!

 

An impacted canine simply means that the tooth has failed to erupt through your gums. Some causes of impacted canines include:

 

- Cysts: abnormal growths on the gums

- Overcrowding: when teeth are squished together from lack of space in the mouth

- Extra teeth: when an additional tooth occupies the space where the canine is supposed to erupt

- Ankylosed: when the canine tooth root is intertwined with the surrounding bone

 

There are some additional signs of an impacted canine to look for. This includes the presence of a palatal lump, the delayed eruption of the canine (usually after 15 years old), and the absence of a labial canine lump. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s possible that you have an impacted canine.

 

Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Periodontal Disease

Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, dedicates her time and expertise in educating patients about good oral health. Your Los Angeles dentist will help you achieve the smile you’ve been longing for.

If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.

Factors that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:

- Chronic stress

- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers

- Poor nutrition

- Fluctuating hormones

- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV

- Teeth grinding

- Crooked or crowded teeth

- Tobacco use

- Genetics

- Poor dental hygiene, especially with braces on your teeth

Do you think you could be experiencing periodontal disease? We will assess what’s going on and get you started on a treatment plan. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Pediatric Sealants

Did you know that cavities are common in kids ages five to fourteen? With baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in, deep grooves and gaps make it difficult for kids to brush their teeth thoroughly. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating her young patients about proper oral hygiene. Sometimes, though, certain procedures are required to help young patients prevent cavities. Sealants prevent food from getting stuck in grooves and gaps, which ultimately prevents the process of tooth decay. Your Los Angeles dentist is committed to helping your child stay cavity-free!

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, dental sealants are used in an effort to keep out tooth decay. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Dr. Haeri fills in the grooves that are hard to reach while brushing with the thin plastic material. This added layer of protection greatly lowers your child’s chances of developing a cavity.

When you help your child prevent cavities at an early age, they are less likely to have oral health problems as an adult. The way they take care of their baby teeth directly affects how taking care of their adult teeth will be. Solidify good dental hygiene habits now by encouraging your child to take care of their teeth properly, and they will be rewarded with a lifetime of good oral health.

Do you think your child could benefit from sealants? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear in your mouth and make it difficult for you to eat and talk. The exact cause of canker sores isn't known although stress is thought to trigger the ulcers. When possible, we encourage our patients to avoid foods that have citrus and are extremely acidic.

Some foods to avoid when you have an ulcer are cheese, lemons, pineapples, strawberries, oranges, apples, and soda. Our staff at Suzanne Haeri, DDS encourages our patients to follow a diet that is dairy free and doesn’t run the risk of causing pain while you have canker sores.

Some symptoms that you may have a canker sore include pain on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks and if you feel a burning sensation. Canker sores are circular and are usually white or gray with a red edge.

Although there is no exact treatment for canker sores, it can be helpful to rinse your mouth with hot salt water a few times a day. Canker sores typically go away after 1-2 weeks when you avoid the foods mentioned and rinse with hot salt water.  

If you have any questions or concerns regarding canker sores and your treatment options if they don’t go away, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, please call 310-657-2200.

Teeth Whitening System

Keeping your teeth white can be more difficult than it seems. With so many acidic drinks and foods that can stain your teeth, it’s nearly impossible to have perfectly white teeth. At Suzanne Haeri, DDS we offer a take home teeth whitening system that is great for restoring the natural color of your teeth.

Teeth whitening is a two-step process that starts with making an impression of your teeth into a custom whitening tray that is reusable. After your custom whitening tray is made, you will put the whitening gel in for a few days and see results you never thought possible.

Teeth whitening can be sensitive for some patients which but is effective for most people. If you want to get your teeth whitened we advise you to schedule an appointment at our office.

The results of our teeth whitening varies by the patient but our system is designed to make your teeth 4-8 shades whiter.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding digital teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, please call 310-657-2200.

The Benefit of Digital X-Rays

At Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we use digital radiography to take x-rays instead of traditional photographic film. Digital x-rays are more efficient by bypassing chemical processing and it allows us to transfer and view the photos of your mouth faster. Using Digital radiography, we are able to provide better safety for our patients by using digital x-ray’s which provide 80% less radiation than traditional films.

Digital x-rays allow us to detect bone loss, tumors, infections in the tooth nerve, tooth decay, and other abnormalities.

Digital radiography provides you with the best care possible by being convenient, safer, and faster. With the ability to enhance image quality, we able to fix your dental issues better and more efficiently.

Don’t forget to ask our staff if you are due for x-ray’s during your visit so we can make sure your teeth are healthy!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding digital x-rays, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, please call 310-657-2200.

Electronic verses Traditional Toothbrushes

At Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we want our patients to have the cleanest teeth possible. To get rid of the most plaque and bacteria from your teeth, we encourage our patients to change their toothbrush every 3-4 months or after their bristles are worn down. When the bristles on toothbrushes become distorted, your teeth aren’t being cleaned properly. Even if your toothbrush doesn’t become distorted, over time the brush becomes dirty and less effective.

We advise our patients who have trouble cleaning their teeth for a full two minutes to get an electric toothbrush for the best cleaning possible. Electric bristle’s remove more plaque from your teeth and gums because of how fast they rotate. If you are able to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly for a full two minutes, a traditional toothbrush works perfectly fine.

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth clean and your smile as bright as it can be.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding which toothbrush is best for your teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, please call 310-657-2200.

Oral Thrush

If you notice a creamy white rash on their tongue, gums or tonsils you may have oral thrush. Oral thrush is an infection that is caused by candida fungus, also known as yeast. This type of fungus is supposed to exist but different illnesses can cause it to grow out of control.

Oral thrush can result from medicine that weakens the immune system by attacking healthy cells. Other causes cause of oral thrush are stress, diabetes, cancer, and HIV. Signs of oral thrush to look for are pain or difficulty swallowing, fever if the infection spreads, or the feeling of food being stuck in your chest.

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS is able to diagnose patients with oral thrush by examining the mouth and taking a throat swab to have analyzed at the laboratory. Treatment for oral thrush is usually antifungal medication and making sure patients are practicing good oral care, which includes proper cleaning of removable or appliances such as dentures and Snap-On-Smiles.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Nutrition with Braces

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS advises her patients to avoid eating foods that can damage braces. Foods that are hard, sticky, and chewy should be avoided as wires, rubber bands, and the bracket itself may break. Foods like caramel and gum stick to braces while hard foods like raw veggies damage braces unless cut up. Patients who regularly bite their nails or pen chewers can also cause damage to braces much like chewing hard foods.

 It is recommended patients eat softer and healthier foods with braces like yogurt, mashed potatoes, bananas. These foods won’t cause harm to the braces and are healthy for the body and mouth.

The healthier your body is, the better the results of your orthodontic treatment will be because a proper diet provides essential nutrients to bones and tissues undergoing significant change during braces treatment.

It is important for patients who visit Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS that they practice good oral care and keep their braces as clean as possible to avoid any damage.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Baby Teeth Care

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS stresses the importance of proper oral care for baby teeth and making sure they are properly cleaned. Taking care of your children’s baby teeth is critical in the development of their teeth and could lead to problems in the future if parents of children aren’t taking the proper steps to ensure good oral hygiene.

Baby teeth are vital for children’s teeth as they are placeholders while waiting for your permanent teeth to emerge. If your child’s baby teeth are damaged by tooth decay or some other trauma, they might need to be removed prematurely. Removing baby teeth prematurely can lead to complications with permanent teeth later on. Tooth decay and failure to properly brush and floss your teeth can cause damage as your permanent teeth develop.

To prevent tooth decay on baby teeth, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS recommends patients bring their young adults in twice a year to make sure baby teeth are being properly developed.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the restoration of a natural tooth shade or whitening beyond the natural shade occurs. In the teeth whitening process, surface stains are removed from discolored teeth and a new brighter shade appears to make your teeth look brighter and cleaner.

Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS recommends patients use her tray whitening system instead of over the counter teeth whiteners to prevent potential damage to their gums and oral cavities. This tray whitening system is completed in 2 steps with the first being an impression of patient’s teeth. The second step in the whitening process is creating a custom, reusable whitening tray. After applying the whitening gel for a few days patients can see four to eight shades whiter teeth.

Our teeth whitening method is a safe and effective way to get whiter teeth and have your smile looking better than ever!

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Cosmetic dentistry has been around for a long time. This is because one of the first things a person notices about you is your smile. So many people want to be able to flash a smile they are proud of. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS offers several cosmetic dentistry options here in our Los Angeles, CA office.

Take a look at some of the cosmetic options here at our office:

• Veneers- A ceramic shell that is bonded to your existing teeth. Can improve the look of almost any dental imperfection. They are durable and can last up to 10 years.


• Lumineers- Similar to the veneer, but no prep work is needed to be done to the tooth. They can also last for over 20 years.


• Whitening- We have several whitening options to utilize, depending on the patient. We can perform whitening in as little as one hour in our office or give you a professional at-home kit.


• Snap-On Smile- This is a removable mouthpiece created just for you. They give you a perfect smile in a snap. Plus, you can take them out when sleeping or playing sports.


• Bonding- For gaps, cracks, misshapen teeth, discoloration, and much more, we can utilize dental bonding. This is the process of shaping tooth-colored composite resin to your tooth for a natural improvement.

If you are tired of hiding your smile and want a smile you are proud of, there is a cosmetic option for you. To set up an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS of Los Angeles, CA, call our office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com. 

Dental Bridges: The Basics

If you are missing a tooth, you should strongly consider having it replaced. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS offers plenty of options for patients who are missing teeth, but those who desire a non-invasive treatment option should contemplate dental bridges. Bridges are commonly used to cover a space if you’re missing one or more teeth because they literally bridge the gap that’s been created.

Dental bridges have the ability to restore your smile, restore the ability to properly chew and speak, help maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position. The bridge itself is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable. Getting a bridge will require at least two visits, but often more, depending on the individual case.

If you think you may benefit from dental bridges, please give us a call. To learn more about bridges as well as other services we provide at the practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.